THE FIVE MUST-DROP NAMES

These are the players everyone will be talking about at Qatar 2022

LIONEL MESSI (ARGENTINA)

People are talking about Messi at every World Cup, of course — but in Qatar his presence will loom larger than ever. Now 35, this will surely be the pint-sized Argentine’s last chance to get his hands on the ultimate sporting trophy. After everything Messi has given to football, you’d think the very least football could do is give him a World Cup in return.

SADIO MANÉ (SENEGAL)

The ex-Liverpool striker was known in his home nation as Samba Alar (meaning he performed well for his club, but not for his country). That all changed with Senegal’s triumph in the Africa Cup of Nations earlier this year. With the blisteringly in-form Mané as their talisman, there is a strong sense that Senegal could become the first African country to reach a World Cup semi-final — or even go all the way.

JUDE BELLINGHAM (ENGLAND)

At just 17, England’s most exciting rising star swapped West Midlands for Dortmund and is now setting the Bundesliga alight. Now 19, Bellingham is a transfer target for Man United, Liverpool and Real Madrid, with a rumoured price tag of £130m. Feverish anticipation surrounds his first World Cup. Expect football-themed variations on ‘Hey Jude’ around Qatar’s stadia if the teenager delivers.

ALPHONSO DAVIES (CANADA)

Bookies would give you long odds on Canada getting much beyond the knockout stage, but they boast one of the tournament’s most exciting young players. Born in a Ghanaian refugee camp, 21-year-old Davies is Canada’s most decorated footballer, having won leagues and cups galore with Bayern Munich. Nicknamed the Road Runner, he can attack, defend and run rings around anyone who gets near him.

CHRISTIAN ERIKSEN (DENMARK)

The football world held its breath in 2020 when then 28-year-old Eriksen collapsed with cardiac arrest on the pitch. He was given life-saving treatment, fitted with a pacemaker and has now, unbelievably, worked his way back to full fitness in Denmark’s World Cup squad. There wouldn’t be a dry eye in the house if Eriksen were to go from a genuine brush with death to lifting the trophy next month...